Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:4–10 (Summary)

David gathers the descendants of Aaron (the priests) and the Levites. Though the term Levites can denote the whole tribe of Levi including the priests (1 Chronicles 15:12), it is used more often of those from Levi’s tribe who were not priests (1 Chronicles 15:4, 1 Chronicles 15:11, 1 Chronicles 15:14, 1 Chronicles 15:17).¹ The latter group are the ones that the Chronicler brings to our attention. Six groups of Levites are listed: the first three represent the major Levitical divisions (1 Chronicles 15:5–7). Three more families are listed that also belong to the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 15:8–10; Exodus 6:18, Exodus 6:22; Numbers 3:19, Numbers 3:30). They are Elizaphan, who is Uzziel’s son (Exodus 6:22; Numbers 3:30; 2 Chronicles 29:13), Hebron, and Uzziel, both of whom are Kohath’s sons (1 Chronicles 6:18; 1 Chronicles 23:19–20).

The Levitical order is divided into six groups, where each leader is identified beneath the family name. This is the only place where we find this sixfold division among the Levites, though the relationships among them are present in Exodus 6:18–22.² When the various numbers from each group are added together, they total eight hundred and sixty-two, with five hundred and twelve of them belonging to the Kohathites. By providing a greater number of Kohathites, David may be making very sure that the Mosaic law was observed in every detail by ensuring that there were enough men from this family available to protect the ark and the sacred vessels without touching them (Numbers 3:27–32; Numbers 4:15).³